Are skinny people always healthy?...Misconceptions and truths about weight.

Body mass index (BMI) is calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m2). A BMI of 25 or higher is generally classified as obesity. According to statistics, the obesity rate among Korean adults, based on a BMI of 25, increased from 31.5% in 2014 to 37.2% in 2022.

 

Weight is not just a cosmetic issue; it's also linked to health. In particular, abdominal obesity is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, which contributes to various chronic diseases.

However, weight isn't an absolute indicator of health. In this regard, we've compiled misinformation related to weight, based on data from health and medical media outlets like MedicalNewsToday.

“Is it better to be underweight than overweight?” =

 

If weight loss and health were absolutely linked, then weight loss would lead to improved health indicators. However, going beyond the normal weight range and into the underweight range would be associated with increased mortality.

This correlation was confirmed in a study of people with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 23 and no underlying medical conditions. According to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic, those who are overweight (BMI between 23.7 and 25.9) have a lower risk of hospitalization, treatment, and death, while those with a BMI of 18.5 or less have a higher risk of complications.

 

“Is weight an absolute measure of health?” =

 

People who are overweight are considered to be less healthy from a metabolic perspective, including in terms of blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and heart and artery health.

However, according to the results of a meta-analysis of 24 studies by a joint research team from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Minnesota, there was not always a significant correlation between weight loss and improved health.

More than half of those classified as overweight and a quarter of those classified as obese were within the normal cardiovascular range. Conversely, 30% of those classified as normal weight had cardio-metabolic markers outside the healthy range. This highlights the limitations of using weight alone to determine health.

 

“Do you care more about your weight than healthy habits?” =

 

Focusing solely on maintaining a healthy weight can lead to neglecting other healthy behaviors necessary for maintaining good health. Even those with a healthy weight can experience deterioration in their health indicators if they have nutritional imbalances, lack physical activity, or have habits like smoking or excessive drinking.

 

The same holds true when you're under severe stress, depressed, or anxious. According to a study published in the international journal Social Issues and Policy Review, healthy behaviors are more closely linked to longer lifespan than the numbers on a scale.

 

Therefore, rather than focusing on body mass index or weight, it's more important to strive for a healthier lifestyle by eating healthily, exercising, and managing stress. This will naturally help you manage your body fat percentage.

Even if your weight is normal, if you are skinny fat or have bad lifestyle habits, you may develop metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, etc., so it would be better to prioritize efforts such as walking more during your commute and reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates.

 

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My mother was originally chubby,

After I turned 60, my weight gradually decreased.

He's completely skinny now.

Always make sure you don't lose any more weight

You are managing it, right?